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When 17-year-old Caledonia High School senior Chandler Owen was assigned a paper for school, she turned to the library for research instead of the Internet.

“Everyone gets their sources online,” she said. “With actually having to read the books, you don’t just click on something and go onto the next thing, you absorb it.”

It paid off. Her 14-page paper on the psychological aspects of religious and apocalyptic cults earned her a solid-A grade, and the respect of her English teacher, who is “definitely biased toward books.”

Often when she visited the library to research the paper and use the study rooms, she was doing double-duty babysitting her younger brother, Beck, who is in the fourth grade.

“He’s the all-American boy: play outside, get dirty, ‘I don’t want to read,’” his sister explained. “Now he’s an avid reader. He’s a huge fan of the Spiderwick Chronicles, which were my favorite books when I was younger.”

These days, Chandler’s free-time reading mostly features books by Stephen King, “my all-time favorite author,” she said, plus memoirs of musicians. She also listens to music and said she’s impressed with the selection available from KDL, whether it’s compact discs that can be checked out from a branch or Freegal music that can be downloaded online from anywhere she happens to be. As someone who aims to work in the music business, Chandler said the selection is diverse, and that she’s been introduced to several Michigan bands through KDL’s collection.

“A: it’s free, and B: you guys have so much that’s local,” she said. “I love to support local bands and artists… Crane Wives are my No. 1 right now.”

Chandler said some in her circle don’t realize all the library offers, so she lays it out: “I tell them there’s music and movies, computers, a place for my brother to hang out while I’m doing research. It’s definitely a safe haven.”

To read more KDL patron stories or submit one of your own, click here.

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Calling all Star Wars fans! If you decorate your Christmas tree with starships and aliens like I do, then a perfect complement to your holiday décor would be to make these cool snowflakes designed by Anthony Herrera. You can download free pdf versions of Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine or my favorite – Stormtrooper!

So break out your scissors and very sharp x-acto knife for the fine details.

Hint: Watch the how-to video on the website for many helpful suggestions from the designer. Enjoy!

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Recently, you may have received your property tax statement and noticed the amount of money you pay for library service. Though you probably don’t enjoy paying taxes, we want you to know that we work hard to make sure that you get your money’s worth! We strive to offer great value to our library patrons.

Over 29,000 people participated in the 2013 Summer Reading @ KDL program and enjoyed reading for prizes. We offer free computer classes to help people learn new skills that will improve their personal and professional life. Our Early Child Essentials classes help parents and caregivers learn new tips and techniques to use as they raise and nurture the children in their care. And don’t forget about our collection! From the latest books, movies and music, to a wide selection of downloadables and even video games, KDL is your source for information, ideas and excitement. The best thing about KDL services is that they are all free!

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The Geneva Trap by Stella Rimington
The latest suspenseful spy thriller from the former head of MI5. When a Russian intelligence officer insists on speaking to no one but her about cyber sabotage that has brought down a U.S. communications satellite, MI5 agent Liz Carlyle learns of a plot to hack into the West’s military and begins a race against time to stop a mole who would reignite the Cold War.

The English Girl by Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva delivers another spectacular thriller starring Gabriel Allon. When a beautiful young British woman vanishes on the island of Corsica, a prime minister’s career is threatened with destruction. Allon, the wayward son of Israeli intelligence, is thrust into a game of shadows where nothing is what it seems…and where the only thing more dangerous than his enemies might be the truth.

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Good news for eBook fans — titles from Simon & Schuster are now available from the library! Simon & Schuster had previously chosen to not to sell eBooks to libraries, but they are now launching a “pilot project” with 30 libraries nationwide, and KDL has been selected to participate!